Crutches

Walking With Crutches

Indications and Types

Indications:

• Transfer weight from legs to upper body when legs cannot support weight
• Post-surgery or casting of lower limbs

Types of Crutches:

• Axillary crutches
• Elbow crutches

Axillary Crutch Fitting

Proper Adjustment:

• Total height: Axillary part should not press on axilla (5 cm away)
• Hand piece level: At level of wrist with elbow slightly flexed during weight transfer

Walking Techniques

General Principles for Walking with Crutches

1. Place crutches under arms and squeeze them to sides of body
2. Move crutches 6-12 inches ahead, slightly away from body
3. Push down on hand grips and step past crutches
4. Support weight with hands, not under arms
5. Check balance before proceeding

Walking with One Crutch

General Directions:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Place the crutch under the arm opposite your weaker leg
2. Move the crutch forward and step with your weaker leg simultaneously (keep crutch close to body for support)
3. Support weight on both crutch and weaker leg, then step past the crutch with your stronger leg

Repeat sequence:

1. Step with crutch and weaker leg together
2. Step with stronger leg

Visual Guide:

Tips for Safe Crutch Use:

• Carry items in a backpack
• Never hang or lean on crutch - support weight on hands, not under arms
• Maintain good posture
• Wear well-fitting, comfortable, supportive shoes
• Be careful on uneven or wet surfaces
• Walk at a safe, comfortable pace

Your therapist may show different techniques based on your specific situation

Walking with Two Crutches

Technique:

1. Stand in the middle of your crutches
2. Place crutches in front and step with weaker leg at the same time (crutches & weak leg together)
3. Push down on hand grips and step past crutches with stronger leg

(Source: UPMC)

Visual Guide:

(Source: UPMC)

Weight-Bearing Protocols

1. Non-Weight Bearing

• Principle: Affected lower limb remains off ground at all times
• Technique:
  1. Start standing with all weight on normal side
  2. Transfer both crutches forward (small step - not too far)
  3. Put all weight on both crutches through hand pieces
  4. Transfer normal foot forward to line between both crutches (do not go beyond this line)
  5. Transfer body forward to level of crutches

2. Partial Weight Bearing

• Principle: Affected leg takes partial weight along with crutches
• Technique:
  1. Start standing with most weight on normal side, affected side touching floor
  2. Transfer both crutches forward along with affected leg (small step)
  3. Put partial weight on crutches through hand pieces AND partial weight on affected leg together
  4. Transfer normal foot forward to level of crutches

3. Partial Weight Bearing - More Weight on Affected Leg

• Principle: Affected leg takes more weight with only one crutch
• Technique:
  1. Use one crutch held on normal side
  2. Start standing with most weight on normal side, affected side touching floor
  3. Transfer crutch forward along with affected leg together (small step)
  4. Put partial weight on crutch through hand piece AND partial weight on affected leg together
  5. Transfer normal foot forward to level of crutch